Fall Programs

New Teen Blog!

Created just for our teen patrons, the OLPL Teen Blog includes upcoming program information, photos from previous programs, book and DVD reviews, links to other blogs, and more.  We are also interested in receiving book, DVD and video game reviews from teens.

 

 

We are pleased to present the following programs for children aged six months to fourteen years, their parents, and other caregivers.  These programs are intended to support the Library mission of providing information, both educational and recreational, in pursuit of life-long learning.

 

REGISTRATION

Preference is given to Oak Lawn residents and students.  Residents of other communities will be placed on a waiting list until it can be determined whether they can be accommodated.  Each child's library card must be presented at the time of registration.  Programs will be presented in the Youth Services Department unless otherwise noted.

Advance registration is required. Registration must be made in person.  Children must be the designated age by the first session.  Children who have two unexcused absences may be dropped from a program to accommodate those on a waiting list.

STORYTIMES:

Books Change Lives!

Storytimes are presented on a regular basis to introduce children to literature through picture books, storytelling, fingerplays, songs, poetry, puppetry, and flannel boards.  Youth Services Librarians plan these sessions to provide a social environment that will encourage participation in group activities, well disciplined behavior, and respect for others.  Children may be registered for only one storytime program per series.

 

BABY BUSINESS

This program offers a first-time group experience in the library for babies aged 6 to 23 months and their caregivers.  Stories, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and puppetry introduce rhythm and language to the young child.  Interaction with their caregiver and with children of the same age is an important aspect of the program.

One adult must accompany each child.  Other arrangements should be made for older and younger children.  The child must be six months old, but not yet two, by the first session.  Enrollment is limited to 12 adult/child teams.

 

Early Fall

Registration begins Saturday, August 28 and continues thru September 20 or until full.  One series listed below may be selected.

              Tuesdays            September 21 to October 19      9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

              Thursdays          September 23 to October 21      9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

              Fridays                 September 24 to October 22     9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Late Fall

Registration begins Saturday, October 16 and continues thru November 8 or until full.  One series listed below may be selected. 

              Tuesdays            November  9 to  December   7    9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

              Thursdays          November 11 to  December   9    9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

              Fridays                 November 12 to  December 10    9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

 

TODDLER TIME

This program offers a group experience in the library for toddlers and their adult caregivers as well as children up to 3 ½ years old who are not ready to attend Preschool Storytime by themselves.   Stories in books, songs, games, fingerplays, flannel boards, and puppets introduce literature to the young child through interaction with the adult and other children of the same age.

Each series lasts five weeks.  One adult must accompany each child, and other arrangements should be made for older or younger children. The child must be two years old and no older than 3 ½ by the first session.  There is a limit of 12 adult/child teams per series.

 

Early Fall

Registration begins Saturday, August 28 and continues thru September 20 or until full.  One series listed below may be selected.

              Tuesdays            September 21 to October 19      10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

              Thursdays          September 23 to October 21      10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

              Fridays                 September 24 to October 22     10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Late Fall

Registration begins Saturday, October 16 and continues thru November 8 or until full.  One series listed below may be selected. 

              Tuesdays            November  9  to  December  7    10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

              Thursdays          November 11  to  December  9  10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

               Fridays              November 12 to  December 10    10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

 

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Preschool storytime is designed for children who are ready for a social activity on their own for a short period of time.  By the age of three, the child is usually able to sit quietly and listen to a brief story and to engage in simple group activities with other children.  These sessions will introduce children to new stories and activities, which may be reinforced at home through books, puzzles, recordings, and other materials checked out of the library.

Children aged three to five, not yet enrolled in kindergarten, may be registered for this program, which will meet every week for a total of five sessions. Children must be three years old by the first session.

 

Early Fall

Registration begins Saturday, August 28 and continues thru September 20 or until full.  This program is limited to 25 children.

              Mondays             September 20 to October 18        9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

  

Late Fall

Registration begins Saturday, October 16 and continues thru November 8 or until full.  This program is limited to 25 children.

              Mondays             November   8  to December 6     9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

 

FAMILY STORYTIME

This is a NEW storytime designed for families who have children of various ages who need or would like to have one storytime that all the children could attend together.   Stories in books, songs, fingerplays, flannel boards, and puppets will be presented for the enjoyment of caregivers and children from 6 months to seven years of age.

 

Early Fall

Registration begins Saturday, August 28 and continues thru September 20 or until full.  Each series is limited to 10 families.   One series listed below may be selected.

              Mondays             September 20 to October 18      10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

              Tuesdays            September 21 to October  19        7:00 to  7:30 p.m.

              Wednesdays       September 22 to October  20       9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Late Fall

Registration begins Saturday, October 16 and continues thru November 8 or until full.  Each series is limited to 10 families.  One series listed below may be selected.

              Mondays             November    8  to December 6    10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

              Tuesdays            November    9  to December 7   7:00 to  7:30 p.m.

              Wednesdays       November  10  to  December 8  9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

 

AFTER SCHOOL STORIES

Storytelling, read-alouds, songs, and games are included in this series for students in kindergarten through second grade.  Children in this age group are most receptive to literary experiences as this is their peak learning period in reading readiness. With so many other activities in a child's life, story time at the library offers an "oasis" of quiet enrichment that may continue for a lifetime.  Five sessions meeting every week will be conducted.

 

Early Fall

Registration begins Saturday, August 28 and continues thru September 20 or until full.  Enrollment is limited to 30 children.

              Wednesdays       September 22 to October 20     4:00 to 4:45 p.m.

Late Fall

Registration begins Saturday, October 15 and continues thru November 8 or until full.  Enrollment is limited to 30 children.

              Wednesdays       November  10 to December 8      4:00 to 4:45 p.m.

 

SATURDAY DROP-IN STORYTIME

The Youth Services Department offers this program for busy, on-the-go families. On the first Saturday of each month, one of the Youth Services Librarians will offer a half-hour program of stories, songs, action rhymes and more for children aged 3 to 8.  No registration is required for this program -- just come to the Youth Services Program Room and join the fun!  Parents are welcome to join their children for this storytime.  Parents who do not attend the storytime are reminded to stay in the library.

           

              Saturday            September 4      11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

              Saturday            October 2            11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

              Saturday            November 6        11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

              Saturday            December 4        11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

 

INTERNATIONAL STORYTIMES

POLISH STORYTIME 

The Youth Services Department is offering a monthly storytime in Polish.  One Saturday of each month Mia Sevik will present a 60 minute program that will include stories, songs, and a craft.  The program will be delivered entirely in Polish and aimed at 3 to 6 year olds. 

Registration is required for this program. 

              Saturday            October 9              11:00 to 12:00

              Saturday            November 13       11:00 to 12:00

              Saturday            December 11       11:00 to 12:00

 

SPANISH STORYTIME

The Youth Services Department is offering a monthly storytime in Spanish.  One Saturday of each month Sonia Rodriguez will present a 60 minute program that will include stories, songs, and a craft.  The program will be delivered entirely in Spanish and aimed at 3 to 5 year olds.  Registration is required for this program.

              Saturday            October 9              1:00 to 2:00

              Saturday            November 13       1:00 to 2:00

              Saturday            December 11       1:00 to 2:00

 

ARABIC STORYTIME

An Arabic Storytime will be presented by Halima Bahri, the Elementary Youth Program Coordinator of the Arab American Action Network. The 45 minute storytimes are aimed at 5 to 8 year olds, will be delivered entirely in Arabic, and will include a story and a craft.  Registration is required for this program.

              Saturday            October 16          11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

              Saturday            November 20      11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

              Saturday            December 18      11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

 

Regular Programs

 

READ to ROVER

Children ages 7 and older can practice reading aloud to a furry, nonjudgmental audience.  Sign up for a 15-minute time slot from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on three Saturdays; children sign up for each month separately.  Time will be made available for special needs children.  Dogs are provided by Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy of Chicago.  Registration is required for this program.

              Saturday            September 25    11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

              Saturday            October 23          11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

              Saturday            November 20      11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

             

ART for KIDS

Students in grades 3 to 5 are invited to join certified art teacher Pam Witkus to explore art and artistic techniques while learning about renowned artists and art movements. The monthly class will include sessions on drawing, painting, mosaic, collage and sculpture.  Register for each month separately.  Each program is limited to 30 participants. 

Tuesday             October 19                to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday             November 16           to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday             December 14           to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

ART for YOUNGER KIDS

Students in kindergarten to grade 2 will explore different ways to create art with certified art teacher Pam Witkus.   The monthly class will include sessions on drawing, painting, mosaic, collage and sculpture. Register for each month separately.  Each program is limited to 30 participants.

Thursday            October 21                to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday            November 18           to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday            December 16           to be determined                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

The WRITE STUFF

Are you in grades 3 to 5?  Do you like to make up stories?  Then you may have the “write stuff” to join the library’s young writers’ club.  Each month, our young writers will meet for a series of exercises to flex their creative muscles.  Make up characters, places, words, and more – it’s all up to you!  Each session is self-contained – there’s no homework and no ongoing projects (unless you are inspired).  Register for each month separately.  Registration is required. 

Limit 20.

              Tuesday             September 14      3 Wishes                                    4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

              Tuesday             October 12            Scary Stories                              4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

              Tuesday             November 9          He Said, She Said                     4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

              Tuesday             December 7          Writing Together                        4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

CHESS CLUB

Come to the library and play chess with others!  Instructions will be provided.  Beginners as well as experienced players are welcome.  Bring your own chess set and clock if you have one.  This program is for children in third to 10th grade.  Registration is required and is limited to 36 participants.

           

              Wednesdays       September 22 to October 20        4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

              Wednesdays       November 10    to December 8    4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

MONTHLY CONTESTS

Enter our monthly contest and you may be eligible to win a prize!  A new contest will be offered each month.  Kids in preschool through grade 8 are eligible to enter.  See the Youth Services Desk for further information.

September:        Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt

October:              Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin

November:          Potato Quiz

December:          How Many Gingerbread Cookies?

 

MONTHLY DROP-IN CRAFTS

A new drop-in craft will be available each month.  Each craft will be available for the entire month:

September:        Teddy Bear Bookmark

October:              Clothespin Bat

November:         Turkey Hat

December:          Snowman Craft

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

September 19 through 25 is National Dog Week and to celebrate the Youth Services Department is offering three events honoring dogs.  Registration is NOT required for any of these events.

CLIFFORD the BIG RED DOG

On Sunday September 19, which is also Patron Appreciation Day,  Clifford the Big Red Dog will be at the library from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet fans.  Remember to bring your camera if you would like your photograph taken with Clifford.

 

DOG SAFETY

Should you put your face next to a dog’s mouth?  Should you pull on a strange dog’s tail?    On Tuesday September 21 a member of the Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy organization will present an animal safety program for all ages but targets the most vulnerable age group for dog bites: children between the ages of 5 and 9 (grades K-4).                                              Rainbow’s dog safety experts conduct programs teaching children to interact safely with dogs, read canine body language and techniques to use when faced with an aggressive dog.  Registration is NOT required for this program.           

Tuesday             September 21                   4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

DOG CARE

Are all dog breeds right for all people?  How much should you feed a dog?  Is it okay to give a dog candy?  How often should you take a dog to the doctor (veterinarian)?  On Saturday September 25 Dr. Kate McNamara, Veterinarian, will present vital information about how to choose and care for a dog.  Registration is NOT required for this program that is open to dog lovers of all ages.

              Saturday            September 25                  1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

 

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m. to noon OR 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Kids ages 2 to 7 and a caregiver are invited to join us for a fun, not scary Halloween party.  Participants will enjoy crafts, games, and yummy treats.  Come dressed-up in your scariest (funniest, cutest…) Halloween costume.  Choose one of the above times to attend.  Registration is NOT required for this program.

 

MOVIES at the LIBRARY

Join us for fun family films during school holidays.  All movies will be held in our lower level meeting rooms from 2 to 4 p.m.  No registration is required.

Monday                          October 11          To Be Announced           

Friday                             November 26      To Be Announced                         

 

Family Reading Night

The Illinois State Library has declared Thursday, November 18 as Family Reading Night 2010.  The theme for the 2010 Family Reading Night is Fall into Reading!  This is the state’s nineteenth annual official Family Reading Night.  The Youth Services department encourages families to spend time reading together, whether at home or at the library, on this special evening.

 

SUNDAY FAMILY PROGRAMS

A series of programs is being offered for families on Sunday afternoons.  The content of these programs varies.  Please observe the age ranges for each program.  Tickets are NOT required for these programs. 

See a Juggler, Be a Juggler

Sunday, November 7, 3:00 to 4:00 pm

All Ages

Lower Level Meeting Room

An all ages, family-friendly variety juggling performance with humor, tons of audience participation, and juggling and balancing stunts!  And that’s not all!  After his performance, Jason Kollum will teach everyone, kids and parents alike, early-juggling and balancing skills.  We’ll all be jugglers too!

 

A Magical Journey to the North Pole

Sunday, December 5, 3:00 to 4:00 pm

All Ages

Lower Level Meeting Room

All aboard!  Join Rob Erdmann for a fun-filled expedition to the North Pole!  The program will feature magic, puppets and plenty of audience participation!   You’ll be safe and warm inside, while experiencing the freezing wonders of the North!